american stock exchange: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Financial, Business
Quick answer
What does “american stock exchange” mean?
A stock exchange, historically based in New York, known for trading stocks, options, and ETFs (particularly smaller companies).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A stock exchange, historically based in New York, known for trading stocks, options, and ETFs (particularly smaller companies).
Formally known as the American Stock Exchange (AMEX), it was a major U.S. stock exchange that operated for over a century before being acquired by NYSE Euronext in 2008 and later renamed. It was particularly noted for its trading floor, specialist system, and as a listing venue for small-to-medium-sized companies, ETFs, and derivatives. It is now known as the NYSE American.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is inherently American, referring to a U.S. institution. A British speaker would use it when discussing U.S. finance but would more naturally refer to the 'London Stock Exchange' (LSE) or 'FTSE' for domestic context.
Connotations
In US usage, it historically connoted a venue for emerging growth companies, contrasting with the NYSE's 'blue-chip' image. In UK/global usage, it is simply one of several major U.S. exchanges.
Frequency
High frequency in US financial/business contexts; low to medium in general UK English, except in specialized financial discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “american stock exchange” in a Sentence
[Company] listed on the American Stock Exchange.The American Stock Exchange was known for [characteristic].Trading moved from the American Stock Exchange to [another venue].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “american stock exchange” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The firm was Amex-listed before moving to the main market.
American English
- The company planned to Amex-list its shares.
adjective
British English
- It was an American Stock Exchange-listed security.
American English
- An AMEX-traded ETF.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The company decided to list on the American Stock Exchange to gain visibility.
Academic
The regulatory evolution of the American Stock Exchange provides a case study in market structure.
Everyday
I think my grandfather's old stock certificates are from the American Stock Exchange.
Technical
Post-acquisition, the AMEX's legacy systems were integrated into NYSE's Pillar platform.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “american stock exchange”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “american stock exchange”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “american stock exchange”
- Using 'American Stock Exchange' to refer to any U.S. stock exchange (e.g., NASDAQ).
- Thinking it is still a major independent exchange under that name.
- Misspelling as 'American Stocks Exchange'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. After being acquired by NYSE Euronext in 2008, it was later renamed NYSE American.
AMEX is the acronym for the American Stock Exchange. It should not be confused with American Express, the credit card company, which uses the same ticker symbol.
Historically, it was known for listing small-to-medium-sized growth companies, as well as being a pioneering exchange for ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) and options.
The AMEX was traditionally seen as a 'junior' exchange to the NYSE, listing younger or smaller companies. It also had a different trading floor and specialist system before electronic trading became dominant.
A stock exchange, historically based in New York, known for trading stocks, options, and ETFs (particularly smaller companies).
American stock exchange is usually formal, financial, business in register.
American stock exchange: in British English it is pronounced /əˈmɛrɪk(ə)n stɒk ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈmɛrɪkən stɑːk ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be on the Curb (historical, meaning to trade on the AMEX)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: AMerican EXchange = AMEX. It was the 'other' big New York exchange, often for newer or smaller companies.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MARKETPLACE FOR COMPANIES (where companies are 'goods' bought and sold). A LAUNCHPAD FOR GROWTH.
Practice
Quiz
What was a key characteristic of the American Stock Exchange (AMEX)?